How I Shot This Simple Bread Recipe with My Sony FX3 & FS7
Bread. It’s one of those comfort foods that can warm you up on the coldest days and make any meal feel like home. Whether it’s a crusty baguette or a soft loaf of white bread, there’s something so simple yet so satisfying about fresh bread straight from the oven. You might be wondering, though, what does a food recipe have to do with video production? Well, I recently created a simple bread recipe video, and I thought it would be fun to take you behind the scenes of how I shot it with my trusted Sony FX3 & FS7 cameras. Well here are some BTS shooting with the Sony FX3.
This post isn’t just about how to make bread. It’s about how I shot the video and what equipment I used to make it look as cinematic and professional as possible. If you’re into filmmaking or video production, or you just want to learn how to make your videos stand out, keep reading. I’ll break down the entire process and share some useful tips and tricks you can apply to your own shoots, whether you’re in Wilmington, NC or anywhere else.
The Set-Up: Cameras, Mics, and Lighting for a Simple Recipe Video
When it comes to shooting with the Sony FX3, there’s no doubt that it’s a fantastic camera! If fact, it’s my favorite camera right now. But for this shoot, I used two cameras, the Sony FS7 M2 for my master shot and the Sony FX3 for B-roll footage. I love the versatility of these cameras, and both have unique qualities that make them perfect for different situations.
Camera 1: Sony FS7 M2 (Master Shot)
The FS7 M2 may be an older model, but it’s still a workhorse. I used this camera as the main camera for shooting the recipe itself, capturing all the key moments. It records in 10-bit UHD, which is ideal for color grading over 8-bit, which is fine for this one, but if doing heavy grading you would want 10-bit. One of my favorite features of this camera is its variable ND filter. For those who are new to this concept, ND filters essentially reduce the amount of light entering the lens. The ability to dial it in with small increments lets me shoot wide open at F2.8, even in bright conditions, and achieve that dreamy shallow depth of field that I love.
For audio, I used a Sennheiser G3 wireless microphone to capture the dialogue. It’s an older model, but it works great. I do have smaller less expensive wireless mics like ones from Hollyland. They are great too, but use mini jack as opposed to XLR.
Camera 2: Sony FX3 (B-Roll and Additional Shots)
For my B-roll footage (you know, those beautiful close-ups and slider shots), I turned to the Sony FX3. This little beast has a ton of punch for such a compact body, and I can’t get enough of it. It’s mounted on a 48-inch slider with an Edelkrone head for smooth, programmable motion. The FX3 is perfect for capturing those dynamic, fluid shots that add extra production value. One thing that it lack is having built-in ND filters (like the FS7). I get though, you can’t fit built-in ND into such a small body. There is always a variable ND filter I could put on the lens itself.
Lighting: Setting the Mood
Lighting is key to making any video look great, and this shoot was no different. I used the Aputure Light Storm LS 1s LED panel for my key light, which is essential for evenly lighting the scene and keeping things looking professional. For backlight, I used a 200W Pepper light, giving soft, warm glow, which also creates separation from the background and gives it a pop. The lighting setup was crucial for getting that cozy, homey feel that I wanted to convey.
The Real Struggle: Working with Natural Light
While I love using controlled lighting, nothing beats natural light. The downside? It’s constantly changing. On the day of the shoot, we didn’t prep the bread ahead of time (I blame my wife for that. Don’t tell her I said that). This meant that the lighting conditions were constantly shifting as the day went on, which made it a bit tricky. I had to make adjustments to my lights and also”fix it in post”.
But hey, I enjoy the challenge of working with natural light! It adds a raw, authentic feel to the footage. The most important thing I learned? Keep an eye on those changing conditions. Always be prepared to adjust!
Post Production: Editing and Bringing It All Together
After the shoot, it was time to dive into the editing process. As with shooting with the Sony FX3, editing is a critical part of the process. It’s where everything comes together and where you can really make your video shine. Here’s a breakdown of how I approached it.
Syncing the Cameras and Laying Down the Base
The first step in post-production is syncing the footage from both cameras. I imported the files into Adobe Premiere Pro, synced up the shots, and started laying down a rough cut based on the script. This was the foundation for everything that followed.
Polishing the Edit
Once I had the rough cut, I went through the footage again, tightening up the edits. I trimmed any pauses, awkward moments, or unnecessary filler to make the video flow more smoothly. This part of the process is crucial, especially when you’re dealing with a simple recipe video where timing and pacing are key to keeping the viewer engaged.
Color Grading and Final Touches
Color grading is one of the last steps in the process, but it’s also one of the most important. For this particular video, I didn’t go too crazy with color grading. I made some minor corrections to get the exposure and white balance just right, then threw on a LUT to give the footage a cohesive look. I adjusted the intensity of the LUT to give it a subtle, professional finish. Yeah, I know. Some would say I cheated by not grading from scratch. Sometimes it’s easier, and can produce a nicer image when using a LUT.
Finally, I added some music, created a short intro, and that was it, the video was ready to go.
Why Choose a Professional for Your Video Production?
If you’re thinking about creating video content for your business or personal projects, you might be wondering whether it’s worth hiring a professional. After all, shooting with cameras like the Sony FX3 or FS7 might seem like something anyone can do. But there are some definite advantages to working with a professional video production team, like Luma 3 Productions. Here are a few key reasons why you should consider it:
1. Quality and Expertise
A professional video production team brings years of experience, ensuring that your video looks polished and professional from start to finish. Whether you’re looking to create a cooking tutorial or a promotional video for your business, professionals know how to light, shoot, and edit your footage to perfection. Also, you may not have time and just want to hire someone.
2. Time-Saving
Creating high-quality videos takes time, sometimes a lot of time. A professional team can handle the entire production process, from concept to final edit, so you can focus on what you do best.
3. Boost Your Business with Custom Video Solutions in Wilmington, NC
In a place like Wilmington, NC, where local businesses thrive, high-quality video content can make all the difference. Custom video solutions tailored to your brand can help you stand out, engage your audience, and grow your business.
FAQs About [Why Choose a Professional for Your Video]
Q: Why should I hire a professional for my video production?
A: Hiring a professional ensures that your video looks polished and of high quality. From the cameras to the lighting to the final edit, professionals have the expertise and equipment to deliver exceptional results.
Q: Can’t I just shoot my own videos with my phone?
A: Yes you can. Phones these days have great cameras, like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. You can use apps like the one by Blackmagic which allows yo to have more control of your setting and really dial them in. But, then I go back to what I wrote above. Time-saving is a big deal these days. You can read more about the Black magic app HERE.
Q: How long does it take to make a video?
A: The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the project. For a simple bread recipe like mine, it could take a few hours to shoot and a few more to edit. For more complex projects, it might take days or even weeks.
Q: What’s the benefit of shooting with cameras like the Sony FX3 and FS7?
A: Cameras like the Sony FX3 and FS7 offer incredible image quality, flexibility, and advanced features like variable ND filters. They allow you to capture professional-grade footage that’s difficult to achieve with lower-end cameras or phones.
Final Thoughts
While shooting this simple bread recipe wasn’t a groundbreaking project, it was a fun opportunity to showcase how I approach video production. Shooting with the Sony FX3 and FS7 made the process easy and efficient, and the end result speaks for itself. If you’re looking to elevate your own video content, whether it’s for a recipe, a business, or a personal project, I hope this post gave you some useful insights.
If you’re in Wilmington, NC, and looking for high-quality video production services, Luma 3 Productions is here to help you bring your vision to life. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to learn more about what we can do for you! Click HERE to visit some of our work.
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